I’m in tears and don’t want to go to an event I’ve been looking forward to for months because I have nothing to wear

[CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair]

Please help!

I’ve put on weight and generally feel awful. I had an outfit planned that I wasn’t 100% happy with because everyone has seen my wear hundreds of times but it was ok. Problem is there’s now a heat wave and it’s a long sleeved maxi dress so no good.

I’m 5ft 3, blonde, massive boobs, big hips and huge belly but with a defined waist. If I don’t have definition I look like a weeble.

The event is like a hen do with a daytime party boat, DJ, afternoon tea and then an evening do in a pub. Daytime is mainly women 35-45 then spouses and wider group in the evening. Even if was happy with my body I think I’d struggle to know what the right kind of thing to wear was.

Please help me enjoy myself and not feel awful. Budget would be a max of £200 but that would have to include shoes/ accessories.

Ooh that's gorgeous 😍

Its definitely going to show too much cleavage. But scarlet and jo is a good call. But for timing id say just order literally everything you like on boohoo and asos. They are quick delivery and if you have a rough idea of style that will help. Please please dont be hating your curves. Embrace them and flaunt them

I hope you find something 🥰
I know you said wraps don't always work for you but honestly I think a wrap dress is stunning on all figures and very feminine. If its a little low on the bust why not try clothes pins or magnetic hijab pins to keep it in place instead of having a cami?
ETA I'm sure you'll look gorgeous in whatever you do wear and you're being very hard on yourself

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su582480/ap7084#ap7084

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su582399/f09201#f09201

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su582326/ap7076#ap7076

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su532991/f14841#f14841

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su528515/au9969#au9969

This one was a bargain at full price, and is now cheap as chips! I have it, it's easy to wear and really flattering. Skims over the belly.... I'm a size 16-18, 5ft 4", boobs and hips, so similar to you.

https://www.apricotonline.co.uk/leaf-ruffle-wrap-midi-dress/D157208-Pink.html

https://www.modainpelle.com/sandals-c29/heeled-sandals-c41/kona-white-leather-p1630..https://www.roman.co.uk/leaf-print-double-layer-dress-14644301

I hope you find something you like and will share it with us all. Either a link or a faceless photo.

I will!

I‘m not 100% sure if I’ll be going shopping this evening though as DH hasn’t been very well. He’s in his way home but I’m not sure if it will work out. We’ll see.

I dont know the brand, but would this be any good?

https://mysa-london.co.uk/products/women-s-stylish-floral-ruched-midi-dress

Maybe try looking at the Scarlett & Jo dresses at Next online. A friend has a very similar figure to how you describe yours, and she swears by them. Lots of sleeve, length and pattern options, but the cut is quite similar across all the dresses. Good luck!

https://www.next.co.uk/shop/brand-scarlettjo-0?p=1#100

Either of these?

https://www.reiss.com/style/su607940/ap4330

https://www.hobbs.com/product/navy-floral-peyton-jersey-midi-dress/0225-5010-3669L00-NAVY-MULTI.html

https://www.roman.co.uk/abstract-ruched-maxi-dress-14647709?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17428120031&gclid=CjwKCAjw7_DEBhAeEiwAWKiCCwJjgWIaaqKNtV-bw6vzgdeWAXsPFG1Q8YuokGHZazryxXqz4GrtkBoCHDcQAvD_BwE

I am probably exactly the same size and shape as you and I wore this to an outdoor wedding a couple of weeks ago. The deep shirring elastic at the waist is really flattering, it doesn't give you the busty milkmaid look and it's quite a heavy jersey so skims over the belly and feels more expensive than it is.
Luckily I had some Clarks mustard wedge sandals in the back of the wardrobe that looked fab with it. I felt really comfortable and didn't even worry about the pasty, flabby arms😄
They do it in different colours and I ordered a few styles and sizes but this one in an 18 was by far the best on me and really cheap.

Not going to be able to get to the shops today but might be able to get to a Next tomorrow so thinking of maybe ordering a few bits from there with the hope one works or if not returning them tomorrow and looking in store.

I’m drawn to a jump suit. What do you think of these?

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su757268/w58177#W58177

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su800192/w82291#W82291

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su741438/h42817#H42817

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su828344/h90399#H90399

Hi,

What about these:

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/shearwater-midi-fit-and-flare-dress

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/brouse-sleeveless-relaxed-drop-waist-dress

https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/belle-dress-fit-and-flare-lightweight-cotton

https://www.toa.st/collections/womens-dresses/products/folk-collage-print-cotton-poplin-dress-multi

https://www.toa.st/collections/womens-dresses/products/archivist-floral-cotton-shirt-dress-warm-blue

I know you said no linen, but Toast’s linen dresses don’t seem to crease:

www.toa.st/collections/womens-dresses/products/aila-mineral-check-linen-cotton-dress-brown-ochre-dark-cornflower

What about separates? Giving a jumpsuit 'look' with a better chance of fitting body and legs etc

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su539673/av1118#av1118

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su762018/w60596#w60596

I can’t get on with jumpsuits myself, @CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair but I do like the ones you posted. The first and third are probably my favourites.

I like the first jumpsuit but I’m on the fence as whether that long tie at the front would get on my nerves.

Love all the jumpsuits you've posted @CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair

Are you wearing heels, or do any come in petite lengths just to try? Cullotte style ones or wider legs can work if not!

I love these and they’d be perfect for the occasion but I wouldn’t feel comfortable in shorts.

I’m not sure yet. It depends on what I wear, it will either be a strappy sandal, silver flatform or Esska slingbacks.

I’ve ordered the jumpsuits (minus the burgundy one as it seemed too much like workwear). And quite a few of the recommended dresses from Next. Especially the Love and Roses ones. I’ll let you know what ones are best.

Thank you everyone.

Ooh OP I sound very similar and know exactly how you feel!

Also an 18-20, large chest, tummy overhang thanks to c-section, light summer, low confidence.

I agree with the post about things we used to be told to lean towards now looking mumsy and dated, I feel very lost and frumpy lately!

Let us know if you find any thing you love.

Stylemehappy is fab to follow on fb/insta if you don't already.

that pink River Island one is just gorgeous 🩷

I bought the Monsoon one last week and love it!